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Coppermine River

The Coppermine River follows the treeline from the central Barren Lands to the Arctic Ocean. Renowned for its wildlife and fascinating history, it has been designated a Canadian Heritage River. We begin the trip downstream from "diamond country", where mineral discoveries have transformed the economy of the region. We'll re-live the route travelled by early European explorers, Samuel Hearne and Sir John Franklin, as they discovered the great north and the people who lived there.

Caribou and muskoxen graze along the shores as we work our way through moderate rapids, lakes, and a lazy river current. There is remarkable bird life, including nesting golden eagles and gyrfalcons. The Arctic char fishing can be exceptional. The river meanders through rolling hills, steep-walled canyons. and past towering cliffs. The trees dwindle until we paddle out onto the Barrens beneath the midnight sun. Our last camp is at Bloody Falls, in sight of the ocean. Finally we'll paddle to the sea. We'll then have a little time to wander through the Inuit hamlet of Kugluktuk before our charter plane takes us to Plummer’s Lodge, on Great Bear Lake, for a final night and farewell dinner.

The Coppermine River trip is enjoyable for whitewater paddlers who have various levels of proficiency, but are knowledgeable in basic skills, strokes, and safety techniques.

"We had a fantastic time. Everything went well. I got the impression that it wasn't just luck. Rather that Black Feather manages its business well to ensure a great experience." Rob, Ontario, Canada